Knight KP1

[RWK]

Any one have any comments on the KP1 i'm thinking of getting one. Rich

[lemoyne]

The Knights are all good quality but why not a newer design?

[Underclocked]

The KP1 is undergoing some changes on the production line. The hammer throw has been shortened and hammer spring pressure increased. The non-fpj breech plug has also had a redesign so far as magnet retention - I broke two of the older ones (magnet inside the primer cup).I did a little write up which might incorrectlylead you to believe that I do not like the rifle.http://www.sunrisearchery.com/KNIGHT_KP1.htm

The full plastic jacket system was, IMHO, a mistake in the KP1 and really serves no purpose - however some owners like it. The hammer mounted "de-cocking" safety is also of questionable worth. Both those items may disappear from the rifle's design in the future.

I do like the rifle and think it will eventually prove to be a real winner. Those buying the rifle in centerfire calibers have reportedexcellent results accuracy-wise. The problems I have experienced are not at all rare in an early production rifle and pale by comparison to those I encountered with my first Encore. I don't think you would have any regrets about your purchase of a KP1.

[cayugad]

Underclocked - I read your review over on Tom's site.. Great review. Perhaps the old adage of never buy a rifle until it has been tested a year or two, might hold some creditability.

It does look like Knight is making rifles that will be conical shooters. That is one error I feel T/C and some of the other gun makers are failing to take into consideration. While sabots are the thing of the future, many of us simply get a thrill of casting our own and shooting large chunks of lead.

[Underclocked]

Thanks Dave. Yes, it will definitely shoot conicals and, as you say, Knight doesn't forget us conical shooters. TC just follows the money I suppose and it seems that high cost bullets and sabots are in the great majority of rifles. Sabots are very tolerant of barrel problems that a conical just won't forgive.

Knight's customer service has been superb in my experience. Knight's people (in particular Mr. Branch Meanley) have called and spoken to me at length regarding the issues I've discovered. They have been very interested in my observations and some changes will and have resulted from those communications. Knight wants this KP1 to be as right as it can be and I think they will get there. TC has given me decent service in the past but nothing that compares to Knight's attention.

My KP1 has a truly excellent barrel on it - and it is the original barrel. Shooting a substantial charge of Swiss under a very heavy conical is definitely a torture test and will make any weaknesses very evident - and it did. I am reasonably certain that Knight will continue to make upgrades to the KP1 that will enhance its performance as a hunting rifle. It's a very good rifle as it stands now. As soon as I get a day of both good weather and feeling reasonably well, I'll run some morelead through mine.